Contents
Chamber business
The House met at 11.30 am.
Prayers
1Private Bills: Royal Albert Hall Bill [Lords]: Second Reading
Motion made, That the Royal Albert Hall Bill [Lords] be now read a second time.—(Chairman of Ways and Means.)
Objection taken (Standing Order No. 20(2)).
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 6 May.
2Questions to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
3Urgent Questions: (1) India-Pakistan: Increasing tensions over Kashmir (Mr Hamish Falconer)
(2) Alleged incitement to murder Members (Dan Jarvis)
4Statement: Visit of Palestinian Authority Prime Minister (Mr Hamish Falconer)
5Maternity units (requirement for bereavement suite): Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order No. 23)
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require new maternity units to have a bereavement suite; and for connected purposes;
That Rosie Wrighting, Jen Craft, John Cooper, Dr Marie Tidball, Michelle Welsh, Mr Richard Holden, Lee Barron, Charlie Dewhirst and Mike Reader present the Bill.
Rosie Wrighting accordingly presented the Bill.
Bill read the first time; to be read a second time on Friday 16 May, and to be printed (Bill 226).
6Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill: Consideration of the Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee
New Clause NC17—(Andrew Western)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.
The Deputy Speaker announced a time limit on backbench speeches (Standing Order No. 47(1)).
Question put and agreed to.
New Clause NC17 added to the Bill.
As it was one hour before the moment of interruption, the Deputy Speaker put the Questions necessary to bring proceedings on Consideration to a conclusion (Programme Order, 3 February).
The following Questions were put forthwith (Standing Order No. 83E).
(1) That New Clauses NC18, NC19 and NC20 be added to the Bill (single Question on new Clauses moved by a Minister of the Crown).—(Andrew Western.)
Question agreed to.
(2) That New Clause NC1 be added to the Bill (Question on any new Clause selected by the Speaker for separate decision).—(Steve Darling.)
The House divided.
Division No. 180
Ayes: 73 (Tellers: Zöe Franklin, Mr Will Forster)
Noes: 255 (Tellers: Gerald Jones, Gen Kitchen)
Question negatived.
(3) That New Clause NC10 be added to the Bill (Question on any new Clause selected by the Speaker for separate decision).—(Rebecca Smith.)
The House divided.
Division No. 181
Ayes: 101 (Tellers: Rebecca Paul, Jerome Mayhew)
Noes: 258 (Tellers: Gerald Jones, Gen Kitchen)
Question negatived.
(4) That New Clause NC21 be added to the Bill (Question on any new Clause selected by the Speaker for separate decision).—(Rebecca Smith.)
The House divided.
Division No. 182
Ayes: 95 (Tellers: Rebecca Paul, Jerome Mayhew)
Noes: 257 (Tellers: Gerald Jones, Gen Kitchen)
Question negatived.
(5) That Amendments 23 to 31, 76, 75, 32 to 43, 79, 78, 77, 74, 73, 44, 72 and 45 be made (single Question on Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown).—(Andrew Western.)
Question agreed to.
(6) That Amendment 11 be made (Question on any Amendment selected by the Speaker for separate decision).—(Neil Duncan-Jordan.)
The House divided.
Division No. 183
Ayes: 85 (Tellers: Chris Hinchliff, Iqbal Mohamed)
Noes: 238 (Tellers: Gerald Jones, Gen Kitchen)
Question negatived.
(7) That Amendments 46 to 70 be made (single Question on Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown).—(Andrew Western.)
Question agreed to.
Consideration completed.
7Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill: Third Reading
Secretary Liz Kendall signified King’s consent, as far as His Majesty’s interest is concerned.
Bill read the third time and passed.
8Statutory Instruments: Motions for Approval
Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the draft Forensic Science Regulator Draft Code of Practice 2025 (Version 2), which was laid before this House on 20 March, be approved.—(Sir Nicholas Dakin.)
Question agreed to.
9Business of the House (Today)
Ordered, That, at this day's sitting, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motion in the name of the Prime Minister relating to Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Commissioner for England (Appointment) not later than one hour after their commencement; such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; and proceedings may be entered upon and may continue, though opposed, after the moment of interruption.—(Lucy Powell.)
Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that His Majesty will re-appoint John Pullinger CB as the Chair of the Electoral Commission with effect from 1 May 2025 for the period ending on 30 April 2029.—(Lucy Powell.)
11Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Commissioner for England (Appointment)
Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that His Majesty will appoint Paula Sussex CBE to the offices of Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Commissioner for England.—(Georgia Gould.)
(1) A public petition from residents of the constituency of South Norfolk relating to allotments in Wymondham was presented and read by Ben Goldsborough.
(2) A public petition from residents of Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk relating to the protection of primitive goat species in the Scottish Borders was presented and read by John Lamont.
(3) A public petition from residents of Bracknell and supporters of the Acoustic Couch relating to the future of Acoustic Couch, Bracknell was presented and read by Peter Swallow.
Subject: Tackling overstayed boats on the River Thames (Monica Harding)
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Sir Nicholas Dakin.)
Adjourned at 7.38 pm until tomorrow.
Other Proceedings
Changes to Notices Given
14Building Regulations (Minimum Standards) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 16 May, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 11 July.
General Committees: Reports
15Crime and Policing Bill Committee
Emma Lewell (Chair) reported written evidence submitted to the Committee.
Written evidence to be published.
16Planning and Infrastructure Bill Committee
Derek Twigg (Chair) reported written evidence submitted to the Committee.
Written evidence to be published.
17Second Delegated Legislation Committee
Christine Jardine (Chair) reported the draft Health and Social Care Information Standards (Procedure) Regulations 2025.
General Committees: Appointments
The Speaker appoints the Chair of General Committees and members of Programming Sub-Committees, and allocates Statutory Instruments to Delegated Legislation Committees.
The Committee of Selection nominates Members to serve on General Committees (and certain Members to serve on Grand Committees).
18Second Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Health and Social Care Information Standards (Procedure) Regulations 2025)
Members: Cat Eccles and Lola McEvoy discharged and Luke Myer and Adam Thompson nominated in substitution.
Select Committees: Reports
19Backbench Business Committee
Transcript of representations made on Tuesday 29 April, to be published (Bob Blackman).
20Business and Trade Committee
(1) Industrial strategy: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 727);
(2) Correspondence from the Trade Remedies Authority relating to trade diversion and dumping in the UK market: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence with the Secretary of State relating to the application of forced labour bans: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Export led growth: Written evidence, to be published (HC 649);
(6) UK arms exports to Israel: Written evidence, to be published (HC 548)
(Liam Byrne).
21Culture, Media and Sport Committee
(1) State of play: Live comedy: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 844);
(2) The work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Written evidence, to be published (HC 330)
(Dame Caroline Dinenage).
(1) The UK contribution to European security: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 520);
(2) Correspondence with the Minister for the Armed Forces relating to the Military Flying Training System: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence with the Secretary of State relating to transparency: Written evidence, to be published
(Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi).
(1) Solving the SEND crisis: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 492);
(2) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice relating to the use of PAVA in public sector young offender institutions in England: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence with the Permanent Secretary relating to Music Hubs: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Higher Education and funding: Written evidence, to be published (HC 807)
(Helen Hayes).
*This item has been corrected since publication. See the Votes and Proceedings relating to Wednesday 7 May 2025.
(1) The UK–EU reset: Rebuilding a strategic partnership in uncertain times: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 857);
(2) The future of the BBC World Service: Written evidence, to be published (HC 384);
(3) The situation in the eastern DRC: Written evidence, to be published (HC 792)
(Emily Thornberry).
(1) Asylum accommodation: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 580);
(2) Correspondence from the Home Secretary relating to neighbourhood policing: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women relating to the Modern Slavery Act: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence from the Minister of State relating to Part Two of the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Violence against women and girls: Funding: Written evidence, to be published (HC 741)
(Dame Karen Bradley).
26Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
(1) Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 855);
(2) Rough sleeping: Written evidence, to be published (HC 339);
(3) The funding and sustainability of local government finance: Written evidence, to be published (HC 514)
(Florence Eshalomi).
27International Development Committee
(1) The FCDO's approach to displaced people: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 525);
(2) Correspondence with the Minister for the Indo-Pacific relating to the relocation of the FCDO headquarters in East Kilbride: Written evidence, to be published
(Sarah Champion).
(1) Work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 749);
(2) Correspondence from the Director General for Policy at the Ministry of Justice relating to data on commissioning arrangements and the performance of contracted services: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Alex Davies-Jones MP): Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede): Written evidence, to be published;
(6) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Sir Nicholas Dakin MP): Written evidence, to be published;
(7) Correspondence from the Secretary of State: Written evidence, to be published;
(8) Rehabilitation and resettlement: Ending the cycle of reoffending: Written evidence, to be published (HC 469);
(9) UK Supreme Court 2025–26 Main Estimate Memorandum: Written evidence, to be published;
(10) Work of the County Court: Written evidence, to be published (HC 677)
(Andy Slaughter).
Record of the Committee’s decisions relating to e-petitions, to be published (Jamie Stone).
30Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
The work of the Cabinet Office: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 463) (Simon Hoare).
31Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
(1) Innovation showcase: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 523);
(2) Social media, misinformation and harmful algorithms: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 441);
(3) Correspondence with Ofcom: Written evidence, to be published;
(Chi Onwurah).
(4) Correspondence with the Department: Written evidence, to be published
Outside employment and interests: Written evidence, to be published (HC 620) (Alberto Costa).
(1) Correspondence from the Secretary of State relating to Supplementary Estimates: Written evidence, to be published;
(2) Managing the impact of street works: Written evidence, to be published (HC 522);
(3) Rail investment pipelines: Ending boom and bust: Written evidence, to be published (HC 575)
(Ruth Cadbury).
(1) Work of the Prudential Regulation Authority: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 862);
(2) Correspondence from HM Treasury: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Lifetime ISA: Written evidence, to be published (HC 607);
(4) Work of HM Treasury: Written evidence, to be published (HC 687)
(Dame Meg Hillier).
Correspondence with the Secretary of State relating to an invitation to give oral evidence: Written evidence, to be published (Ruth Jones).
36Women and Equalities Committee
(1) The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in young people and other high risk groups: Government Response: Second Special Report, to be printed (HC 865);
(2) Misogyny among young men and boys: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 867);
(3) Community cohesion: Written evidence, to be published (HC 340);
(4) Correspondence from Advertising Standards Authority relating to the irresponsible advertisement of Brazilian butt lifts: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Female genital mutilation: Written evidence, to be published (HC 714);
(6) Gendered Islamophobia: Written evidence, to be published (HC 571)
(Sarah Owen).
Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Westminster Hall
The sitting began at 9.30 am.
Business appointed by the Chairman of Ways and Means (Standing Order No. 10(6))
1Compensation for criminal injuries
Resolved, That this House has considered compensation for criminal injuries.—(Laurence Turner.)
The sitting was suspended between 10.53 am and 11 am.
Motion made and Question proposed, That this House has considered the matter of recycling end-of-life tyres.—(Tessa Munt.)
At 11.30 am, the Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 10(6)).
The sitting was suspended between 11.30 am and 2.30 pm (Standing Order No. 10(1)(b)).
3Black Maternal Health Week 2025
Resolved, That this House has considered Black Maternal Health Week 2025.—(Bell Ribeiro-Addy.)
The sitting was suspended between 3.35 pm and 4 pm.
4Anti-social behaviour in Dudley
Resolved, That this House has considered the matter of anti-social behaviour in Dudley.—(Sonia Kumar.)
5Cultural contribution of Staffordshire
Motion made and Question proposed, That this House has considered the cultural contribution of Staffordshire.—(Leigh Ingham.)
The Chair announced a time limit on backbench speeches (under the authority of the Chairman of Ways and Means and Standing Order No. 47(1)).
Resolved, That this House has considered the cultural contribution of Staffordshire.
Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order No. 10(14)).
Adjourned at 5.29 pm until tomorrow.
Ms Nusrat Ghani
Chairman of Ways and Means
Papers Laid
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution
Draft Human Medicines (Amendments Relating to Hub and Spoke Dispensing etc.) Regulations 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum and an Impact Assessment (by Command) (Stephen Kinnock)
Papers subject to Negative Resolution
Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 526), dated 28 April 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Steve Reed)
Export Control (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 532), dated 28 April 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Mr Douglas Alexander)
Other papers
Report of the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces for 2024 (by Act) (Secretary John Healey)
International environmental protection report for the period from April 2022 to March 2024 (by Act) (Secretary Steve Reed)